Brazil vs Spain: Preview, predictions, team news

Brazil takes on Spain in the final fixture of Group C at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, and the Selecao must grind out a positive result against the reigning World Cup champions if they want to advance to the knockout rounds.

Unsurprisingly, Spain are cruising through the group stage at the 2024 Paris Olympics. La Roja defeated Japan in their opening match and then earned a victory over Nigeria thanks to some late-game heroics from Alexia Putellas. Heading into their final Group C fixture against Brazil, Spain are atop the group with six points, and need only a draw to secure their first place finish.

Brazil have much more at stake. The Selecao only earned three points in their first two matches, and need at least one point against Spain to ensure they are at least one of the third place teams to qualify for the knockout stages.

Here’s 90min’s guide to Brazil vs Spain on July 31.

Brazil vs Spain H2H record

Current form (all competitions)

After their heartbreaking loss against Japan, Brazil will likely favor their more traditional starting XI against Spain in what is a huge match for the Selecao. Expect Arthur Elias to return to a back four, allowing players like Ludmila, Yaya, and Sampaio to come back in the lineup to help control the tempo of the match from the midfield and create more chances for a team that has only scored two goals this tournament.

Brazil predicted lineup vs Spain ( 4-4-2 ): Leite; Antonia, Rafaelle, Tarciane, Ribeiro; Ludmila, Yaya, Sampaio, Marta; Da Silva, Jhennifer

Montserrat Tome made several changes to Spain’s starting XI for their clash with Nigeria, and not all of them were successful. Expect Real Madrid’s Olga and Athenea del Castillo to regain their starting spots at left-back and right-wing respectively, especially since they were subbed on at halftime last match.

If La Roja takes a dominating lead over Brazil, many of the…